Procrastination. That's what this is. I'm supposed to be writing, but here I sit fiddling around with blogs and surfing the net.
I've been catching up with friends over Christmas. Good friends. The genuine ones. The ELBs [remember those from the Anniversary?]are supposed to catch up with me some time before New Year. ELB1 rang me the other day to say "Merry Xmas". Yeah, yeah, we must get together. Sure! I'll believe that when I see it. I rang ELB2 to catch up with her. She also said she'd give me a ring before she goes back to work. Yeah, right!
So... I'll wait and see.
In the meantime, I do have plenty to get done. There's always the GST and accounts to do. Yuk. I think I'll put that off. I shouldn't, but I just can't face them yet. Give me a few days to get over Christmas.
My blood sugar levels have gone crazy. They're way over 12.0, which is ridiculous for me. All my life, I've operated at a level low enough to put most people in hospital - 2 to 3. Now they're up to about 12. That's crazy. I have been very careful about what I've been eating and drinking, so there's really no reason for the dramatic rise. I can't seem to get it to drop. Don't know why.
My blood pressure is also up a little. That's probably because I ran out of one lot of tablets. I have to go back to the doctor to get another prescription. I've been putting it off, but now I'll have to make the appointment. Now, at least, I have two things to complain about: sugar levels and blood pressure.
Man oh man! Must be getting old. What's next? The arthritis playing up...? Don't laugh. With the weather getting hot then cold, it really is playing up. Can't win, can you?
It's supposed to get to 41 degrees Celsius tomorrow. Yay! Bring it on. A nice, clear dry heat. I love it. Saturday is supposed to be a killer though: 39 degrees and stormy. The humidity will drown us.
Okay. Let's not procrastinate all day.
Back to writing. After all... Isn't that what I love doing best?
Yeah.
See ya!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Monday, December 26, 2005
Boxing Day
We survived Christmas!
I'm glad that's over for another year. I can sit back and relax now. Life can finally return to normal.
It should be a quiet day today. I'm hoping to get a chance to catch up with friends.
See you soon.
I'm glad that's over for another year. I can sit back and relax now. Life can finally return to normal.
It should be a quiet day today. I'm hoping to get a chance to catch up with friends.
See you soon.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
That Time of the Year
Well… here we are. It’s Christmas eve.
The shopping has been done, the tree is up, the presents are under it. Nothing to do now but wait. And worry that there’s something I’ve forgotten. It was too easy. Something has to have been forgotten…! Don’t you just hate that feeling?
At least this year the tree has balls. Well, you know what I mean. The decorations are on it. Last year the tree went up but ended up naked. I thought it didn’t look too bad — a nice fake green tree with presents under it. It was kind of nice. Natural. A back to nature kind of thing.
This year, I have nice new shiny gold and silver balls on it. Only… one whole packet of the gold ones didn’t come with string so I couldn’t hang them. Maybe next year, when I get time to put the string on.
I don’t know what happened to the tree lights. They’re in that cupboard. You know the one. The one where you put everything so you’ll know where it is when you want it. I know they’re in there. I just can’t find them. And I can’t be bothered looking. I know they’ll be there next year.
Never mind. The tree isn’t naked and there’s enough presents under it to make it look like Christmas again.
Have a good one, everybody!
Friday, December 16, 2005
Xmas Panic
Aaaaaargh!
Xmas is coming too fast. I'm not ready. The tree's not up, I can't find the lights, the cards are not sent, the food hasn't been bought, I have presents to get... Man oh man I hate this.
I love all the good will to men and all that stuff, but really... Give me a break here. I've got so much to do I'm not sure if I'm going to make it.
All I want to do is sit and write. Shadow Runners has been left up in the air at a crucial spot. Mark of the Condemned is also hanging out for a completion of a scene. I'm madly doing paintings for Xmas presents. I keep getting interrupted by unimportant things like: paying bills, answering phones, receiving visitors, preparing meals...
Life sure does get in the way of a good time, doesn't it.
I do have some exciting news about my 2 brothers and sister and I. Stay tuned for the next blog. Roughly translated, that means when I have a moment I'll write it all out.
Xmas is coming too fast. I'm not ready. The tree's not up, I can't find the lights, the cards are not sent, the food hasn't been bought, I have presents to get... Man oh man I hate this.
I love all the good will to men and all that stuff, but really... Give me a break here. I've got so much to do I'm not sure if I'm going to make it.
All I want to do is sit and write. Shadow Runners has been left up in the air at a crucial spot. Mark of the Condemned is also hanging out for a completion of a scene. I'm madly doing paintings for Xmas presents. I keep getting interrupted by unimportant things like: paying bills, answering phones, receiving visitors, preparing meals...
Life sure does get in the way of a good time, doesn't it.
I do have some exciting news about my 2 brothers and sister and I. Stay tuned for the next blog. Roughly translated, that means when I have a moment I'll write it all out.
Monday, December 12, 2005
My Other Artistic Pursuit
As you can see by the photos, I also paint.
I've just recently gotten back into painting mode. For a long time I only concentrated on my writing, but I think I missed fiddling around on canvas. I'm trying to put together enough paintings for an exhibition and possibly to sell some of my work. It will take a while to restock my work. It's been years. It also doesn't help that it is getting near to Xmas and four of my recent works, including the Bastet in this blog, are walking out the door as Xmas presents.
Never mind. Now that I am "newly inspired" I'll no doubt have many more to display and sell.
Today, though, is fish tank cleaning day. Oscar is currently enjoying the yabbies I gave him. He was supposed to eat one every day for the next week, but he's finished them all off in one go. Greedy little sod. At least he won't be trying to eat my hands while I'm up to my arm pits in his tank. Oscars don't have a rule about not biting the hand that feeds them. If it fits in their mouth, they'll eat it.
OK. I'd better get on with it. The sooner I do my duty, the sooner I can get back to my writing.
Catch you next time.
I've just recently gotten back into painting mode. For a long time I only concentrated on my writing, but I think I missed fiddling around on canvas. I'm trying to put together enough paintings for an exhibition and possibly to sell some of my work. It will take a while to restock my work. It's been years. It also doesn't help that it is getting near to Xmas and four of my recent works, including the Bastet in this blog, are walking out the door as Xmas presents.
Never mind. Now that I am "newly inspired" I'll no doubt have many more to display and sell.
Today, though, is fish tank cleaning day. Oscar is currently enjoying the yabbies I gave him. He was supposed to eat one every day for the next week, but he's finished them all off in one go. Greedy little sod. At least he won't be trying to eat my hands while I'm up to my arm pits in his tank. Oscars don't have a rule about not biting the hand that feeds them. If it fits in their mouth, they'll eat it.
OK. I'd better get on with it. The sooner I do my duty, the sooner I can get back to my writing.
Catch you next time.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Christmas Blues
It's getting on towards that time of the year again.
I know I said I hate Christmas, but generally, I do quite like it. It's the way some people carry on that really gets to me. Some people pick this time of the year to be extra difficult to get along with. Then, there's strain of trying to find something to give people when you don't have much money. I like to give people gifts, but I can't always find the extra money. Christmas is also the time of year when businesses all want their pound of flesh... or, I should say "pound of legal tender".
Ah well, it's up with the tree, on with the ornaments, fix that smile in place, organise the meals, greet the guests... You know how it goes.
I'd rather be writing, or painting, or just sitting around reading a good book.
There's always next year...!
I know I said I hate Christmas, but generally, I do quite like it. It's the way some people carry on that really gets to me. Some people pick this time of the year to be extra difficult to get along with. Then, there's strain of trying to find something to give people when you don't have much money. I like to give people gifts, but I can't always find the extra money. Christmas is also the time of year when businesses all want their pound of flesh... or, I should say "pound of legal tender".
Ah well, it's up with the tree, on with the ornaments, fix that smile in place, organise the meals, greet the guests... You know how it goes.
I'd rather be writing, or painting, or just sitting around reading a good book.
There's always next year...!
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Dream
I had a really strange dream last night about a black rabbit. I found a black rabbit with ears almost as long as a hare's ears wandering around our yard. It was obviously someone's pet but it tried to bite me when I picked it up. It didn't bite very hard and I was able to carry it around. After quite a bit of searching, I managed to find a cage to keep it in while I looked for the owner. I contacted the RSPCA and they said the rabbit had come from a home where there was terrible cruelty and all the animals had been removed from that property. They said that I should keep it.
In the meantime, I was busy cleaning the house from top to bottom, trying to get everything put away and looking nice because we were having visitors. One of my aunts who died some years ago was there helping me vaccuum the floor. I kept telling her she shouldn't be doing that because she was a guest. There were other aunts and uncles gathering around too.
How strange.
Seeing a black rabbit or hare in a dream often means problems with finances and is a warning to be careful with money or investments.
Aunts and Uncles in dreams fortell of family troubles and fights.
Well, it's coming up towards Xmas. That's the time of the year when we have no money, and this year is no different. All the bills have to be paid and we're always struggling to find nice little presents for everyone. So nothing different there.
Xmas is also the time of the year my [adopted] mother starts playing up and trying to stop me from spending time with any other family member except her. That's no different either. My father-in-law is the same. He goes into "controller" mode and makes life impossible for everyone around him.
Oh well. I suppose I can expect the usual Xmas gloom and doom. Jeez I hate Xmas. It's always a relief when it goes away. There's just so much pressure put on you by relatives that it takes all the fun out of it. I'd rather have a quiet time here with just ourselves and a few good friends having a simple meal and a few laughs.
Maybe one day...!
In the meantime, I was busy cleaning the house from top to bottom, trying to get everything put away and looking nice because we were having visitors. One of my aunts who died some years ago was there helping me vaccuum the floor. I kept telling her she shouldn't be doing that because she was a guest. There were other aunts and uncles gathering around too.
How strange.
Seeing a black rabbit or hare in a dream often means problems with finances and is a warning to be careful with money or investments.
Aunts and Uncles in dreams fortell of family troubles and fights.
Well, it's coming up towards Xmas. That's the time of the year when we have no money, and this year is no different. All the bills have to be paid and we're always struggling to find nice little presents for everyone. So nothing different there.
Xmas is also the time of the year my [adopted] mother starts playing up and trying to stop me from spending time with any other family member except her. That's no different either. My father-in-law is the same. He goes into "controller" mode and makes life impossible for everyone around him.
Oh well. I suppose I can expect the usual Xmas gloom and doom. Jeez I hate Xmas. It's always a relief when it goes away. There's just so much pressure put on you by relatives that it takes all the fun out of it. I'd rather have a quiet time here with just ourselves and a few good friends having a simple meal and a few laughs.
Maybe one day...!
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
THE MARK OF THE CONDEMNED
I've started a new short story called "The Mark of the Condemned". How does that sound? I might alter that later if another title suggests itself to me. It is another science fiction story that would lend itself quite nicely to a novel some time in the future... hint... hint. As if I haven't enough to do right now!
I reviewed some of my Shadow Runners yesterday. I'm getting close to the climax of the novel. Pretty exciting. I have to be careful to draw in all the threads of the story.
Back to the poetry book. Yesterday I also reviewed a book of poetry I'm putting together for Xmas. So far so good. I included my pantoum -- just for fun. I've got some nice covers and everything is set to go. I'll probably print a couple out today to see what they look like. I still have to do some illustrating for some of the pages. That should be fun.
OK. That's all on the writing front this week. I think I have enough to keep me busy for a while.
That's the point, though, isn't it. You just have to stick at it and write, write, write. Now that I'm getting right into it, I'm really enthused again and my writing has improved because of all the work I've been doing.
Catch y'all later!
I reviewed some of my Shadow Runners yesterday. I'm getting close to the climax of the novel. Pretty exciting. I have to be careful to draw in all the threads of the story.
Back to the poetry book. Yesterday I also reviewed a book of poetry I'm putting together for Xmas. So far so good. I included my pantoum -- just for fun. I've got some nice covers and everything is set to go. I'll probably print a couple out today to see what they look like. I still have to do some illustrating for some of the pages. That should be fun.
OK. That's all on the writing front this week. I think I have enough to keep me busy for a while.
That's the point, though, isn't it. You just have to stick at it and write, write, write. Now that I'm getting right into it, I'm really enthused again and my writing has improved because of all the work I've been doing.
Catch y'all later!
Monday, November 28, 2005
Friday, November 25, 2005
Sword of Anubis
I sent the short story “The Sword of Anubis” off this morning to a magazine. Keep your fingers crossed. I rewrote it for the umpteenth time and finally was satisfied enough to send it.
I’ve run out of old stories to revamp now, so I’ll have to finish off a few of those stories I have hanging around half written.
It’s not such a good day here today. It started out raining, then the sun came out, now I think it is just about to pour down again. Very weird. Very springish.
Our plans for making hay while the sun shone have fallen in a heap. While we waited for the land to dry up enough to get the tractors on, the grass grew too long and fouled up all the equipment. Now we’ll have to strip graze it a bit at a time. The cattle will love it.
Pity about not being able to stock pile a bit more hay for tougher times, though. We still have some left from last season, but everyone knows how quickly you can go through that.
Oh well, with the floods and all, at least we have plenty of water.
Ah, sigh. Such is the farming life.
Okay, so now its back to writing again. Maybe I can get some poems sent off before Xmas.
Cheers.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Australian Community Writers
Australian Community Writers Inc.
President’s Report
November 2005
Well… we’ve made it through another year. And what a successful year it’s been for us.
Our conference and short story competition were both enthusiastically supported by members and non-members alike.
We hope to see these events continue to grow throughout the next few years as the A.C.W. grows in membership and in support.
I’ve been doing a little writing of my own lately. It’s been a while since I’ve written short stories and poetry for competitions and anthologies, but… ta-daaah… I’ve managed to write and re-write a few and I’ve actually sent them off. Keep your fingers crossed.
My novel has been left in limbo for a few months, so I have to get back to that as well. Since the writing bug has bitten me, I’d better take advantage of the poison and write, write, write.
And… guess what…?
I have even started a BLOG.
Yeah, I know, very corny, but have you ever tried one? It’s great. You get to jot down what you’re thinking at the time, just like in a real diary, only on-line. Of course, mine is about what I’m thinking about my novels, stories, plot lines and characters – nothing really personal – well, most of the time it isn’t deeply personal.
Cheers for now.
Until next time… keep writing, reading and loving every minute of it.
President’s Report
November 2005
Well… we’ve made it through another year. And what a successful year it’s been for us.
Our conference and short story competition were both enthusiastically supported by members and non-members alike.
We hope to see these events continue to grow throughout the next few years as the A.C.W. grows in membership and in support.
I’ve been doing a little writing of my own lately. It’s been a while since I’ve written short stories and poetry for competitions and anthologies, but… ta-daaah… I’ve managed to write and re-write a few and I’ve actually sent them off. Keep your fingers crossed.
My novel has been left in limbo for a few months, so I have to get back to that as well. Since the writing bug has bitten me, I’d better take advantage of the poison and write, write, write.
And… guess what…?
I have even started a BLOG.
Yeah, I know, very corny, but have you ever tried one? It’s great. You get to jot down what you’re thinking at the time, just like in a real diary, only on-line. Of course, mine is about what I’m thinking about my novels, stories, plot lines and characters – nothing really personal – well, most of the time it isn’t deeply personal.
Cheers for now.
Until next time… keep writing, reading and loving every minute of it.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Vampires Gypsies
Vampires & Gypsies
My short story, “Shadow on the Crystal” is at last rewritten and ready to send away. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I love a good Gypsy vampire story.
I think I’ll stick to contemporary times for my next short story, though. The research for historical times and settings is horrendous.
I’m also going to get a few poems ready for sending away. That should keep me busy for a while.
Unfortunately, while I’m busy doing all that, I’m not finishing off “Shadow Runners” – and I really have to get that done and rewritten very soon. My goal was to have it finished by the end of this year. I’d better get my bum into gear.
So… “hi ho, hi ho, a-writing we will go…”.
My short story, “Shadow on the Crystal” is at last rewritten and ready to send away. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I love a good Gypsy vampire story.
I think I’ll stick to contemporary times for my next short story, though. The research for historical times and settings is horrendous.
I’m also going to get a few poems ready for sending away. That should keep me busy for a while.
Unfortunately, while I’m busy doing all that, I’m not finishing off “Shadow Runners” – and I really have to get that done and rewritten very soon. My goal was to have it finished by the end of this year. I’d better get my bum into gear.
So… “hi ho, hi ho, a-writing we will go…”.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Anniversary Blues
Anniversary Blues
This is insane! It’s supposed to be our 25th Wedding Anniversary and I’m supposed to be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the day as my friends and family treat us to a special celebration.
Instead, I’ll be the one running around doing all the work, making and serving all the food and cleaning up afterwards. I’m really pissed off about this. [Not that you could tell, huh?]
No-one has even had the decency to organize a nice cake for us.
My ELBs - ‘ever loving bridesmaids’ - were supposed to organize everything as a surprise for us. They dumped all the worry on our kids who don’t have the money or the time to do this, nor do they live here, which makes it very difficult for them. Now, I’ve ended up doing it all and have been left to pay for everything as well. So much for being treated to a special day! Huh!
Above all else I HATE INSINCERITY.
I loathe the fact that the ELBs are sitting back laughing and sniggering about what they’ve done. How could they be so cruel? They know we don’t have the money to hire caterers. They know I have to do it all myself. This is just not fair. I even asked one ELB if she would help me organize a cake. She just laughed and said there were cake decorators in the yellow pages.
YOU BET I’M PISSED OFF!!!
This is NOT going to go unpunished. Revenge has surfaced in my usually mild mannered accepting peaceful mind.
I don’t know how just yet, but justice is coming. They’d better look out!
If I can handle an alien love scene, I can handle the ELBs.
[Insert evil laugh here]
This is insane! It’s supposed to be our 25th Wedding Anniversary and I’m supposed to be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the day as my friends and family treat us to a special celebration.
Instead, I’ll be the one running around doing all the work, making and serving all the food and cleaning up afterwards. I’m really pissed off about this. [Not that you could tell, huh?]
No-one has even had the decency to organize a nice cake for us.
My ELBs - ‘ever loving bridesmaids’ - were supposed to organize everything as a surprise for us. They dumped all the worry on our kids who don’t have the money or the time to do this, nor do they live here, which makes it very difficult for them. Now, I’ve ended up doing it all and have been left to pay for everything as well. So much for being treated to a special day! Huh!
Above all else I HATE INSINCERITY.
I loathe the fact that the ELBs are sitting back laughing and sniggering about what they’ve done. How could they be so cruel? They know we don’t have the money to hire caterers. They know I have to do it all myself. This is just not fair. I even asked one ELB if she would help me organize a cake. She just laughed and said there were cake decorators in the yellow pages.
YOU BET I’M PISSED OFF!!!
This is NOT going to go unpunished. Revenge has surfaced in my usually mild mannered accepting peaceful mind.
I don’t know how just yet, but justice is coming. They’d better look out!
If I can handle an alien love scene, I can handle the ELBs.
[Insert evil laugh here]
Friday, September 30, 2005
My Very First Pantou
My Very First Pantoum
Land Dreaming
Beyond the dreaming land,
ardent sunsets weave
magic bands of promises
upon this canvass scape.
Ardent sunsets weave
the colour of tomorrow’s songs
upon this canvass scape
in reds and blues that waltz to tunes unheard.
The colour of tomorrow’s songs –
magic bands of promises
in reds and blues that waltz to tunes unheard
beyond the dreaming land.
My very first pantoum
© Friday, September 30, 2005
OK. So it’s not perfect yet, but at least I’m giving it a go.
Land Dreaming
Beyond the dreaming land,
ardent sunsets weave
magic bands of promises
upon this canvass scape.
Ardent sunsets weave
the colour of tomorrow’s songs
upon this canvass scape
in reds and blues that waltz to tunes unheard.
The colour of tomorrow’s songs –
magic bands of promises
in reds and blues that waltz to tunes unheard
beyond the dreaming land.
My very first pantoum
© Friday, September 30, 2005
OK. So it’s not perfect yet, but at least I’m giving it a go.
PANTOUM OR NOT PANTO
PANTOUM OR NOT PANTOUM
And I used to think haikus were tough!
Have you ever tried a pantoum? Challenge is one word to describe it. There are a few other words that spring to mind though.
Well, I’ve never shrunk from a challenge, so… a pantouming we go.
And I used to think haikus were tough!
Have you ever tried a pantoum? Challenge is one word to describe it. There are a few other words that spring to mind though.
Well, I’ve never shrunk from a challenge, so… a pantouming we go.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Poems, Plays & Ghosts
I sent a couple of haikus off to a competition on Monday, Sept. 12. I haven't entered any competitions for years. I must start doing that again. It's fun. Don't know how I'll go, but you never know, do you.
The Beechworth Theartre Company's night of one act plays is on tonight - Friday, Sept. 16. First play is "Evidence", a little murder mystery by Ian Austin. The second is "Gosforth's Fete" a comedy by Alan Ayckbourn. Very funny. Very English. The full dress rehearsal was last night and it went rather well. There's a mix of experienced and inexperienced actors on the stage in both plays, but I think they'll go really well.
I'm not on the stage this time. I'm behind it. Literally! I'm the prompt. That's the worst job in theatre, I reckon. You sit in a little dark space following the script by torch light in case the actors forget a line. Not exactly glamorous. But, fun anyway.
It's on at the Bijou Theatre up at the old Mayday Hills mental asylum. What a creepy old place that is. It was built in the 1870s and most of it is still standing. It's now a university and most of the buildings have been renovated. The grounds are lovely. The old parts of the place, though, are still old, abandoned and ghostly.
There's a ghost in the Bijou Theatre. There's an old abandoned stair well that has had the first flight of stairs removed so nobody can get up to the bell tower. The entrance to it is behind the stage. If you go in there and look up, you can see a man leaning over from the top rail looking back down at you. He's harmless, but it gives you a bit of a scare to see him staring at you.
There are other ghosts there too. I took a friend on a night time ghost tour and we both saw a man in a white lab coat walk out of the wall one of the old buildings, through three rooms [by going through their walls] and disappear into the wall at the end. Wow! Exciting.
I'm taking a camera tonight to get a shot or two. Maybe I'll catch a ghost. Do you think? We'll see.
Break a leg -- as they say.
The Beechworth Theartre Company's night of one act plays is on tonight - Friday, Sept. 16. First play is "Evidence", a little murder mystery by Ian Austin. The second is "Gosforth's Fete" a comedy by Alan Ayckbourn. Very funny. Very English. The full dress rehearsal was last night and it went rather well. There's a mix of experienced and inexperienced actors on the stage in both plays, but I think they'll go really well.
I'm not on the stage this time. I'm behind it. Literally! I'm the prompt. That's the worst job in theatre, I reckon. You sit in a little dark space following the script by torch light in case the actors forget a line. Not exactly glamorous. But, fun anyway.
It's on at the Bijou Theatre up at the old Mayday Hills mental asylum. What a creepy old place that is. It was built in the 1870s and most of it is still standing. It's now a university and most of the buildings have been renovated. The grounds are lovely. The old parts of the place, though, are still old, abandoned and ghostly.
There's a ghost in the Bijou Theatre. There's an old abandoned stair well that has had the first flight of stairs removed so nobody can get up to the bell tower. The entrance to it is behind the stage. If you go in there and look up, you can see a man leaning over from the top rail looking back down at you. He's harmless, but it gives you a bit of a scare to see him staring at you.
There are other ghosts there too. I took a friend on a night time ghost tour and we both saw a man in a white lab coat walk out of the wall one of the old buildings, through three rooms [by going through their walls] and disappear into the wall at the end. Wow! Exciting.
I'm taking a camera tonight to get a shot or two. Maybe I'll catch a ghost. Do you think? We'll see.
Break a leg -- as they say.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
What the...?
What the hell are the Shadow Runners up to?
Every time I think I have them heading towards the climax of the story, they throw me a curve ball.
Ranger really should have executed that human girl. She's giving him something to think about besides himself. And it seems, she's doing quite a bit of thinking about him. Hmmmm...!
What have Brashahl and Dahrrrgh really done to Jaxxlar? What are they not telling him, or anyone else?
Guys... guys... can we stop fighting and work together here? We have a novel to finish.
Every time I think I have them heading towards the climax of the story, they throw me a curve ball.
Ranger really should have executed that human girl. She's giving him something to think about besides himself. And it seems, she's doing quite a bit of thinking about him. Hmmmm...!
What have Brashahl and Dahrrrgh really done to Jaxxlar? What are they not telling him, or anyone else?
Guys... guys... can we stop fighting and work together here? We have a novel to finish.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Goodbye Rusty
Sad, sad weekend.
On Saturday, Rusty, my brown kelpie, ran out on the road and was killed.
Rusty was one of those special spirits that come along so few times in life. I found him at the local RSPCA shelter. I looked into his eyes and recognised him instantly. He was Jock. My black kelpie x dingo who died quite a few years ago. I knew him and he knew me -- though he didn't really understand why he thought he knew me.
I brought Rusty home. It was obvious he'd been very badly treated during his short life. He was only about 8 months old then. During the ten months he was with us, he blossomed into a wonderful, gentle spirit, full of confidence, joy and love.
Just when he was becoming himself again, he was snatched away. Why?
I always thought I had unfinished business with Jock. He was just becoming who he really was when he died.
I think, perhaps, Rusty was the unfinished business. Somewhere along the line, between his life as Jock and one or two other lives until Rusty, I think he lost himself. He came back "home" to find his true self.
Why do I keep doing this? I join my spirit with these animals and then I'm devastated when they leave. I guess that's just me. I can't do it any other way.
In a way, those special spirits haven't really left me. Bandit, my soul mate, the one who taught me everything he could about "real" communication with animals, is now one of my spirit guides. Bandit is the domestic dog link. Jock is another guide who has stayed with me. He is the wolf, the link to the wild. Another little spirit guide who stays in my background is Tess. Little old Tess who wasn't with us long either. She was another pound refugee and a gentle spirit.
It's nice to know they're still there. But I'm just so very sad that I can't reach out and hug them.
For my other little friends who are not spirit guides, but are living other lives, helping people and learning lessons, I look forward to seeing you again too. Blue the cattle dog, Merlin the Russian Blue cat, Nikki the Burmese x. I hope our paths cross again sometime.
All I can say is, they all knew love and happiness while they were with me. I hope I helped them in some small way, as they helped me, and continue to do so.
Goodbye Rusty. Be all that you were meant to be.
I'll see you again. That much I do know for sure.
On Saturday, Rusty, my brown kelpie, ran out on the road and was killed.
Rusty was one of those special spirits that come along so few times in life. I found him at the local RSPCA shelter. I looked into his eyes and recognised him instantly. He was Jock. My black kelpie x dingo who died quite a few years ago. I knew him and he knew me -- though he didn't really understand why he thought he knew me.
I brought Rusty home. It was obvious he'd been very badly treated during his short life. He was only about 8 months old then. During the ten months he was with us, he blossomed into a wonderful, gentle spirit, full of confidence, joy and love.
Just when he was becoming himself again, he was snatched away. Why?
I always thought I had unfinished business with Jock. He was just becoming who he really was when he died.
I think, perhaps, Rusty was the unfinished business. Somewhere along the line, between his life as Jock and one or two other lives until Rusty, I think he lost himself. He came back "home" to find his true self.
Why do I keep doing this? I join my spirit with these animals and then I'm devastated when they leave. I guess that's just me. I can't do it any other way.
In a way, those special spirits haven't really left me. Bandit, my soul mate, the one who taught me everything he could about "real" communication with animals, is now one of my spirit guides. Bandit is the domestic dog link. Jock is another guide who has stayed with me. He is the wolf, the link to the wild. Another little spirit guide who stays in my background is Tess. Little old Tess who wasn't with us long either. She was another pound refugee and a gentle spirit.
It's nice to know they're still there. But I'm just so very sad that I can't reach out and hug them.
For my other little friends who are not spirit guides, but are living other lives, helping people and learning lessons, I look forward to seeing you again too. Blue the cattle dog, Merlin the Russian Blue cat, Nikki the Burmese x. I hope our paths cross again sometime.
All I can say is, they all knew love and happiness while they were with me. I hope I helped them in some small way, as they helped me, and continue to do so.
Goodbye Rusty. Be all that you were meant to be.
I'll see you again. That much I do know for sure.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
All Things Mundane
Okay. No writing done this week.
It's the end of the financial year and the start of another. Jeez I hate working with numbers. I'm almost finished. I only have to do the last little fiddly bits, then I can sit back and relax and let the Accountant do the rest.
Then... back to writing.
I left Jaxxlar in rather a state. Raped, pillaged, plundered and not at all happy about it, Jaxx is in for a rather rough ride emotionally. Ranger, his friend and partner, is also in for a hard time as Jaxxlar comes to terms with what happened to him. Ranger will be a bit of a sounding board, I fear, and someone Jaxxlar can take all his frustrations out on. Well, for a while. Or, at least, until Ranger thumps him back to his senses... or whatever. I'm not sure how they're going to deal with this one.
It's the end of the financial year and the start of another. Jeez I hate working with numbers. I'm almost finished. I only have to do the last little fiddly bits, then I can sit back and relax and let the Accountant do the rest.
Then... back to writing.
I left Jaxxlar in rather a state. Raped, pillaged, plundered and not at all happy about it, Jaxx is in for a rather rough ride emotionally. Ranger, his friend and partner, is also in for a hard time as Jaxxlar comes to terms with what happened to him. Ranger will be a bit of a sounding board, I fear, and someone Jaxxlar can take all his frustrations out on. Well, for a while. Or, at least, until Ranger thumps him back to his senses... or whatever. I'm not sure how they're going to deal with this one.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Alice Cooper
Last night I took my two boys (Rhys aged 19 and Kris 21) to the Alice Cooper concert at the old Palais Theatre in St. Kilda, Melbourne.
What a show!
I tell you, that guy can really ROCK.
Even though the stage was smaller than what he's probably used to, he still managed to pack in as much as possible. He's the ultimate rocker and the ultimate showman. Kris and Rhys didn't really know what to expect. They sure got a rocking education.
Billy Thorpe was the opening act. Good on ya Billy. Loud and proud as ever.
Can't wait for Thorpey's new album to be released. He played some of the songs last night and I'll definitely be buying that one. Give it a listen if you get a chance.
Alice... well... what can I say? You've still got it, buddy. You're my number one.
I waited 30 years to go to an Alice Cooper concert and had to drive three and a half hours to get there. It was worth it. I'd go again... and again... and again...
We got home at 3 a.m. this morning and my ears are still ringing. I always say, "If you can still hear when you come out of a rock concert, then it wasn't a real ROCK concert."
And now... it's back to all things mundane. It's the end of the financial year and I'll have to leave The Shadow Runners for boring old tax stuff. Don't you hate that?
I'm not the best person to be doing the books. I'm dyslexic. I can't read numbers, symbols, tell left from right, and have a lot of trouble telling the time. Figures just don't mean anything to me. I get them backwards and see all sorts of funny things. Thank God I can read letters. I was the only one in my class from school who could do algebra. A + B = C made perfect sense to me.
I became a printer by trade after leaving school. Those were the days of hot metal composition. For that I had to learn to read upside down and back-to-front. I did that with no effort at all. Little did they know... I couldn't tell that it was upside down and back-to-front! It just looked like ordinary words to me.
Thank goodness for computers. I hated working with molten lead. It's dirty, dangerous and time consuming. I'll take technology any day!
Okay, I'd better get my poor tired brain around these numbers. I know what I'd rather be doing though...
What a show!
I tell you, that guy can really ROCK.
Even though the stage was smaller than what he's probably used to, he still managed to pack in as much as possible. He's the ultimate rocker and the ultimate showman. Kris and Rhys didn't really know what to expect. They sure got a rocking education.
Billy Thorpe was the opening act. Good on ya Billy. Loud and proud as ever.
Can't wait for Thorpey's new album to be released. He played some of the songs last night and I'll definitely be buying that one. Give it a listen if you get a chance.
Alice... well... what can I say? You've still got it, buddy. You're my number one.
I waited 30 years to go to an Alice Cooper concert and had to drive three and a half hours to get there. It was worth it. I'd go again... and again... and again...
We got home at 3 a.m. this morning and my ears are still ringing. I always say, "If you can still hear when you come out of a rock concert, then it wasn't a real ROCK concert."
And now... it's back to all things mundane. It's the end of the financial year and I'll have to leave The Shadow Runners for boring old tax stuff. Don't you hate that?
I'm not the best person to be doing the books. I'm dyslexic. I can't read numbers, symbols, tell left from right, and have a lot of trouble telling the time. Figures just don't mean anything to me. I get them backwards and see all sorts of funny things. Thank God I can read letters. I was the only one in my class from school who could do algebra. A + B = C made perfect sense to me.
I became a printer by trade after leaving school. Those were the days of hot metal composition. For that I had to learn to read upside down and back-to-front. I did that with no effort at all. Little did they know... I couldn't tell that it was upside down and back-to-front! It just looked like ordinary words to me.
Thank goodness for computers. I hated working with molten lead. It's dirty, dangerous and time consuming. I'll take technology any day!
Okay, I'd better get my poor tired brain around these numbers. I know what I'd rather be doing though...
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Out of Danger?
Now that they're out of the city and on their way back to the stronghold of the shadow runners, what are Ranger, Jaxxlar and Vurrahl going to do with Brashahl and Dahrrrgh?
Is it really wise for Ranger to demand that Brashahl take his orders from Jaxxlar from now on?
Are they all going to survive the journey back to the mountains, or will they turn on each other? How deeply ingrained are their cultural differences? Can Brashahl and Dahrrrgh really overcome their indoctrinations enough to work with Jaxxlar? Can Jaxx forgive Brashahl and Dahrrrgh for what they did to him during his brief period of being Brashahl's pet?
Things could heat up a little here. I'll have to work hard to keep our heroes from tearing each other apart before the end of the book.
Is it really wise for Ranger to demand that Brashahl take his orders from Jaxxlar from now on?
Are they all going to survive the journey back to the mountains, or will they turn on each other? How deeply ingrained are their cultural differences? Can Brashahl and Dahrrrgh really overcome their indoctrinations enough to work with Jaxxlar? Can Jaxx forgive Brashahl and Dahrrrgh for what they did to him during his brief period of being Brashahl's pet?
Things could heat up a little here. I'll have to work hard to keep our heroes from tearing each other apart before the end of the book.
Monday, June 27, 2005
The drinn bounty hunter is not happy!
Poor Jaxxlar. He's not too happy about having a collar around his neck and being led around on a leash. It's the only way to get him safely through the crowd at Brashahl's coming of age celebration. Ranger and Vurrahl are at least able to pose as ambassadors and can walk out with Brashahl under their own steam. This situation has lots of potential for disaster. Things are going to get interesting.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
The 18th Chapter
Well... you just can't trust a herrragh, can you. Especially when they team up with a vedrathian ranger, a drinn bounty hunter and a murrahm business... er... person.
Just when I thought I knew everything there was to know about these characters, they did a bit of an about-face.
What happens when you go to rescue your partner from your enemy only to find that your enemy is not who you thought they were? What happens when they want to kill the same person you do and want to enlist your help to do that?
That's what happened to Ranger, Jaxxlar and Vurrahl in the infamous 18th chapter. Ranger, the vedrathian [human], and Vurrahl, the murrahm, gallantly try to rescue Jaxxlar, the drinn, from the clutches of the son of the Alpha-Brizzaal. But they discover that Brashahl is not like his father. Brashahl has an agenda of his own and wants to enlist the help of his father's enemies, the shadow runners, to track down the Alpha's trusted advisor and friend, the Beta-Dorrran.
So now I'm working on chapter 19. Where does that leave me, the writer?
I somehow have to get these guys [+ one girl] back to the stronghold of the shadow runners so they can catch up with the 'not very nice at all' Beta-Dorrran before he succeeds in killing Dennahn, who is the Alpha-Corrrdahl. Turrrvahk, Alpha of the shadow runners, Dennahn's litter-brother, is on his way back to the stronghold with the Beta-Dorrran who he and his brothers know as Shahdhurr, their old family friend and mentor.
Yikes! Looks like I have my work cut out for me. It would help, though, if the characters did what I wanted them to do occasionally.
Just when I thought I knew everything there was to know about these characters, they did a bit of an about-face.
What happens when you go to rescue your partner from your enemy only to find that your enemy is not who you thought they were? What happens when they want to kill the same person you do and want to enlist your help to do that?
That's what happened to Ranger, Jaxxlar and Vurrahl in the infamous 18th chapter. Ranger, the vedrathian [human], and Vurrahl, the murrahm, gallantly try to rescue Jaxxlar, the drinn, from the clutches of the son of the Alpha-Brizzaal. But they discover that Brashahl is not like his father. Brashahl has an agenda of his own and wants to enlist the help of his father's enemies, the shadow runners, to track down the Alpha's trusted advisor and friend, the Beta-Dorrran.
So now I'm working on chapter 19. Where does that leave me, the writer?
I somehow have to get these guys [+ one girl] back to the stronghold of the shadow runners so they can catch up with the 'not very nice at all' Beta-Dorrran before he succeeds in killing Dennahn, who is the Alpha-Corrrdahl. Turrrvahk, Alpha of the shadow runners, Dennahn's litter-brother, is on his way back to the stronghold with the Beta-Dorrran who he and his brothers know as Shahdhurr, their old family friend and mentor.
Yikes! Looks like I have my work cut out for me. It would help, though, if the characters did what I wanted them to do occasionally.
Monday, June 20, 2005
The Shadow Runners
I've been working on my latest novel "The Shadow Runners" lately. My characters have come up with yet another twist to the story that I didn't anticipate. They're taking me into unknown territory now. I'll have to follow them to see where they're going with this one.
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